Floating track device

ABSTRACT

A floating track device for releasably attaching to a drive mechanism of a vehicle for supporting, floating, moving and steering the same on a traveling surface which may be a ground, snow, water, marsh, ice and the like. The device includes a plurality of generally elongated floating members adjacently releasably secured to each other via respective securing members to form at least one endless belt member, and a retaining member for releasably linking the belt member to the drive mechanism, each of the plurality of floating members transverse to the belt member and has an inner surface and an outer surface, the latter forming an external corrugation of the belt member for traction on any different traveling surface, especially on water by pushing on the same. The belt member to adapted to weight support the powered vehicle on the traveling surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to vehicles, and more particularly to a floating track device for releasably attaching to a drive mechanism of the vehicle for supporting, floating, moving and steering the same on any traveling surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Various special amphibious all terrain vehicles are known in the art. However, these known vehicles usually have a limitation in their use and cannot be used in all seasons and over all types of traveling surfaces.

[0003] U.S. Pat. 3,976,025 granted on Aug. 24, 1976 to Russell discloses a floating track device that is solely used for flotation purpose, a separate tracking system is used to track the vehicle on water.

[0004] U.S. Pat. 3,951,093 granted on Apr. 20, 1976 to Poche discloses a heavy load amphibious vehicle with permanent floating tracks that only help for the floatation of the vehicle which already includes its inflated hulls as main floatation means. The tracks are not used for all traction, steering and floating purposes of the vehicle on all types of surfaces.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is a general object of the present invention to provide a floating track device that obviates the above mentioned disadvantages.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a floating track device adaptable to wheeled and tracked existing vehicles with maximum all terrain mobility.

[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide a floating track device with efficient propulsion on solid ground, water and in-between type grounds.

[0008] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a floating track device with low energy propulsion compared with existing hovercrafts.

[0009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a floating track device that is a safe design due to the plurality of independent floatable bodies, compared to hull design floating bodies.

[0010] Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a floating track device with a simple economic construction.

[0011] Another further object of the present invention is to provide a floating track device that is service friendly with multiple independent floating bodies.

[0012] An advantage of the present invention is that the floating track device is adaptable to a wheeled or tracked vehicle to combine flotation, propulsion (traction) and steering of the vehicle, and that can be mounted to a wide range of vehicles from light-duty (as bicycle and the like) to heavy-duty vehicles (as existing track vehicles) to make it usable on any traveling surface; giving to the vehicle a maximum all terrain mobility.

[0013] Yet another further object of the present invention is to provide a floating track device that can be used as a basis for new design of total mobility vehicles that could be utilized in the field of transportation without any need of docking system or the like.

[0014] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a careful reading of the detailed description provided herein, with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] According to an aspect, the present invention consists of a floating track device for releasably attaching to a drive mechanism of a vehicle for supporting, floating, moving and steering the same on ground, snow, water, marsh, ice and the like traveling surface. The track device comprises a plurality of generally elongated floating members adjacently releasably secured to each other via respective securing members to form at least one endless belt member, and a retaining member for releasably linking the belt member to the drive mechanism. Each of plurality of floating members transverse to the belt member and has an inner surface and an outer surface, the latter forming an external corrugation of the belt member for traction on the traveling surface. The belt member adapted to weight support the powered vehicle on the traveling surface.

[0016] Preferably, the floating member includes a housing formed from inner and outer surfaces for releasably receiving a low-density material body member. Alternatively, the housing could be closed and inflatable.

[0017] Preferably, inner and outer surfaces are respectively integral for all of the plurality of floating members to form a respective inner and outer layers secured to each other by a holding means in-between adjacent of housings.

[0018] Preferably, the housing is opened and the low-density material body member is a floatable body releasably secured into the housing and made out of inflatable, foam type or buoyant material.

[0019] Preferably, the floatable body includes at least one piece of a spherical shape and is of a generally circular or polygonal cross-section shape.

[0020] Preferably, the outer surface of each of the plurality of floating members includes a textured cleat pattern for improved traction of the track device on the traveling surface.

[0021] Preferably, each of the plurality of floating members has a broken elongated shape for controlled flow of material from the traveling surface along the track device and traction of the same on the traveling surface.

[0022] Preferably, the track device further comprises a link system for releasably connecting the belt member to the drive mechanism. Preferably, the link system includes an adapter hardware for being mounted on said vehicle to modify said drive mechanism and a steering mechanism of the same to properly drive and steer said vehicle when using said floating track devices.

[0023] Preferably, the link system includes a plurality of rolling members engaging the belt member for guiding and driving the same, at least two of the plurality of rolling members is releasably secured to the drive mechanism of the vehicle.

[0024] Alternatively, the inner surface of each of the plurality of floating members forming an internal corrugation of the belt member and being part of the retaining member.

[0025] Preferably, the internal corrugation of the belt member is a mirror of the external corrugation of the outer surface.

[0026] Preferably, the retaining member includes a tongue pattern on the inner surface of the plurality of floating members adapted to releasably engage a corresponding groove pattern of the link system.

[0027] Preferably, the link system further includes a tensioning member for tensioning the belt member onto rolling members.

[0028] According to another aspect, the present invention consists of a floating track kit adapted to be releasably secured to a vehicle and releasably linked to a drive mechanism of the same for supporting, floating, moving and steering the same on a traveling surface. The vehicle has two lateral sides and the kit includes at least one floating track device on each lateral sides of the vehicle.

[0029] Preferably, the kit further includes an adapter hardware for being mounted on said vehicle to modify said drive mechanism and a steering mechanism of the same to properly drive and steer said vehicle when using said floating track devices.

[0030] Preferably, the kit further includes an additional hardware for being mounted on said vehicle to allow for attachment of elongated versions of said floating track devices to the same. Preferably, the additional hardware being part of said link system.

[0031] Alternatively, the vehicle is a track vehicle having a track on each of said sides and a respective of said at least one floating track device being adapted to be releasably attached to a corresponding of said tracks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In the annexed drawings, like reference characters indicate like elements throughout.

[0033]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a floating track device according to the present invention attached to a medium-duty vehicle;

[0034]FIG. 2 is an enlarged section view taken along line 2 of FIG. 1, showing the floating track device with external corrugations;

[0035]FIG. 2a is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing a second embodiment of a floating track device according to the present invention with external and internal corrugations;

[0036]FIGS. 3, 3a and 3 b are perspective views of embodiments of a floatable body having a generally circular, triangular and polygonal cross-section shape respectively, FIG. 3a showing a broken elongated floatable body;

[0037]FIG. 3c is a perspective view of another embodiment of a floatable body including a plurality of spherical shape pieces;

[0038]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a floating track device according to the present invention, showing the link system of the device;

[0039]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of a floating track device according to the present invention adapted for heavy-duty vehicles with extended floatable bodies;

[0040]FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing the fourth embodiment with additional hardware adapted for extended length of track device, and the possibility of having additional track devices on each side of the vehicle;

[0041]FIG. 7 is an example of an elongated floatable member having a cleat pattern on its outer surface;

[0042]FIG. 8 is view similar to FIG. 1, showing a fifth embodiment of a floating track device according to the present invention adapted for light-duty vehicles; and

[0043]FIG. 9 is an enlarged partially exploded section view taken along line 9 of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] With reference to the annexed drawings the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be herein described for indicative purpose and by no means as of limitation.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an embodiment 10 of a floating track device according to the present invention adapted to be releasably attached to a drive mechanism 16 of a vehicle V, preferably wheels, for supporting, floating, moving and steering the vehicle V on any traveling surface S which can be normal ground, snow, water, marsh, ice and the like. The track device 10 comprises a plurality of generally elongated floating members 20 adjacently releasably secured to each other via respective securing members 40 (shown in FIG. 5) to form at least one endless belt member 30, and a retaining member 50 for releasably linking the belt member 30 to the drive mechanism 16. Each floating member 20 is transverse to the belt member 30 and has an inner surface 21 and an outer surface 22. The latter forms an external corrugation 35 of the belt member 30 for traction on the traveling surface S, especially on water or the like by “pushing” on the same to induce the forward motion of the vehicle V. The belt member 30 adapted to weight support the powered vehicle V on the traveling surface S.

[0046] Each floating member 20 includes a housing 24 formed by the inner 21 and outer 22 surfaces that is preferably opened and releasably engaged by a low-density material body member 26.

[0047] All inner 21 and outer 22 surfaces are preferably integral with all others respectively to eliminate the need of securing members 40 and form a respective inner 31 and outer 32 layers of the belt member 30 secured to each other by holding means 60 located in-between adjacent housings 24 of the two-layer belt member 30.

[0048] Each low-density material body member 26 is a floatable body releasably secured into its housing 24. The floatable body 26 is made out of inflatable, foam type, buoyant or the like material.

[0049] Alternatively, the housings 24 could be closed and/or sealed to be inflated or self-floating mold (not shown), depending on the manufacturing process considered.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 2, each holding means 60 of the tracking device 10 preferably includes an inner 61 and outer 62 transverse rods inside internal layer 31 and outside external layer 32 respectively and attached to each other either externally or through the layers 31, 32. Accordingly, the internal layer 31 of the belt member 30 is essentially flat while the external layer 32 provides the external corrugations 35 of the outer surface 32 for traction of the belt member 30 on the traveling surface S.

[0051] The tracking device 10 further includes a link system 70 for releasably connecting the retaining member 50 to the drive mechanism 16. The retaining member 50 includes a tongue pattern 51 on the inner surface 21 of the floating members 20 and formed by the inner rods 61 adapted to releasably engage a corresponding groove pattern 72 of the link system 70. Although not shown, the tongue pattern 51 could be circumferentially oriented along the belt member 30 to prevent axial sliding of the same relative to the wheels 74. Similarly, the rods 61, 62 could be integral to the floating members 20 if the latter are manufactured by molding process.

[0052] Alternatively, the inner 21 and outer 22 layers of all floating members could be integral to each other as to form both the securing members 40 and the holding means 60 that are substantially radially centered relative to the floating bodies 26 to add internal corrugations 34 of the belt member 30 a that are preferably a mirror image of the external corrugations 35 a, as shown in a second embodiment 10 a of the track device of FIG. 2a. In this latter case, the internal corrugations 34 are adapted to engage the groove pattern 72 a as part of the retaining member 50. These types of floating track devices 10, 10 a are preferably suitable for medium-duty vehicles such as four wheel all terrain vehicles and the like.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 3, 3a, 3 b and 3 c, floatable bodies 26 can be of different shapes with, for example: a generally circular cross-section 26 (FIG. 3), triangular cross-section 26 a (see FIG. 3a), polygonal cross-section 26b (FIG. 3b), or include a plurality of aligned spherical shape pieces 26 c (FIG. 3c). The floatable body 26 a has a broken elongated shape for controlled flow of material, such as water or the like, along the belt member 30 for improved traction (paddling action) of the same on the traveling surface S. Furthermore, the floatable body 26 b (or the floating members 20) can include cutouts 26′ to also control the flow of water or the like material along the belt member 30 and improve the traction of the same on different traveling surfaces S.

[0054] As better illustrated in FIG. 4, the link system 70 includes a plurality of rolling members 73, preferably wheels 74, engaging the belt member 30 b for guiding and driving the same using the groove pattern 72 on the wheels 74 (see also FIG. 5). At least two of the wheels 74 are releasably secured to the drive mechanism 16, preferably wheels of the vehicle, using wheel adapters 76 that could remain mounted on the vehicle wheels even if the belt member 30 b is being removed along with its wheels 74, or be integral to the same.

[0055] As well known in the art, at least one of the wheels 74 may be a tensioning member to ensure adequate tension of the belt member 30.

[0056] The belt member 30 b of the third embodiment 10 b of the tracking device shown in FIG. 4 has a continuous inner layer 31 b with integral tongue pattern 51 b. Each floating member housing 24 b is releasably secured to the inner layer 31 b via hinge-type holding means 60 b, thus forming a single-layer belt member 30 b for medium-duty vehicles.

[0057] Preferably, the floating track device 10 b is part of a floating track kit 80 adapted to be releasably attached to the drive mechanism 16 of a vehicle V for supporting, floating, moving and steering the same on any traveling surfaces S. The kit 80 includes at least one floating track device 10 b on each of its lateral sides of the vehicle V.

[0058] For heavy-duty vehicles V, the fourth embodiment of the track device 10 c illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a plurality of elongated floating members 20 c similar to the one of FIG. 4 attached to each other via hinge-type securing members 40 c to form the belt member 30 c, similar to the hinge-type holding means 60 c securing the outer surface 22 of the housing 24 to the inner surface 21. Additionally, the floatable bodies 26 d have an outwardly oriented extension to make them larger and support heavier vehicles V, or vehicles V with heavier loads.

[0059] For vehicles V already having “standard” tracks, it could be possible to directly secure floating members 20 forming the track devices 10 thereto, using holding means 60 similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 2. These devices 10 would be available as kits for the track vehicles V.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the kit 80 c includes additional hardware 81 mounted on the vehicle V to adapt the same to receive larger floating track devices 10 c engaging additional wheels 82 rotatably mounted on corresponding front 83 f and rear 83 r supports. Also, on each side of the vehicle V, an additional belt member 30 c could be releasably secured to the corresponding first belt member 30 c to increase the floatability and the stability of the vehicle V when heavy loads need to be carried.

[0061] Obviously, the kit 80 c also includes adapter hardware (not shown) mounted on the vehicle V to modify its drive and steering mechanisms to properly drive and steer the same when using the floating track devices 10. For wheeled vehicles adapted with differential type drive system, the adapter hardware includes a releasable blocking device 78 (see FIG. 4) that includes a separate valve and modifies the existing braking hydraulic network from a front and rear brake control to a left and right brake control, and blocks the steering of the front wheels 16. A releasable steering device that enables independent speed control of the left and right wheels 16 for steering of the track vehicle V via a switching circuit and additional handle (not shown) could preferably be added on the steering bar.

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the outer surface 22 of each floating member 20 could include a textured cleat pattern 29 to enhance the traction of the track device 10 on the traveling surface S with better control of the fluid (water, marsh, etc.) flow to improve and enhance traction of the device 10 on that surface S.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the light-duty track device 10 d according to the present invention is part of the floating kit 80 d with additional hardware 81 d. The track devices 10 d are symmetrically located on the each side of the light vehicle V, which may be, for example, a bicycle or the like light-duty moving vehicles. The endless belt member 30 d has a plurality of transverse housings 24 d made out of two clips 28 adapted to receive a respective floating body members 26 d and adjacently releasably secured via an attachment device 64 providing the holding means 60 d to at least two endless preferably metallic cables 84 parallel to each other and retained on respective pulley-type wheels 74 d engaged by the attachment devices 64. The clips 28 are preferably located at both longitudinal extremities of the bodies 26 d. Obviously, the attachment devices 64, along with the clips 28, the floating members 20 d and the cables 84, could be integrally pre-assembled to reduce the quantity of parts to be installed in the kit 80 d.

[0064] In case of a bicycle, an additional central support 83 c secured to both front 83 f and rear 83 r supports is used to support the pedal mechanism and the vehicle V in upright position. The rear wheel 16 of the bicycle drives a rear shaft of the rear support 83 r and the track devices 10 d either by friction or using a drive belt 87 kept in tension by a belt tensioning bracket 88.

[0065] Obviously, the light-duty vehicle V could simply be a structure having a seat member and a pedal mechanism such as a pedal boat or the like.

[0066] For steering vehicles V without differential type of drive system, each link system 70 includes a simple clutch member 79, installed on each side of the vehicle V on FIG. 8, to enable voluntary temporary disengagement between the respective track device 10 and the drive mechanism of the vehicle V.

[0067] Although the present floating track device has been described with a certain degree of particularity it is to be understood that the disclosure has been made by way of example only and that the present invention is not limited to the features of the embodiments described and illustrated herein, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

I claim:
 1. A floating track device for releasably attaching to a drive mechanism of a vehicle for supporting, floating, moving and steering the same on ground, snow, water, marsh, ice and the like traveling surface, said track device comprising a plurality of generally elongated floating members adjacently releasably secured to each other via respective securing members to form at least one endless belt member, and a retaining member for releasably linking said belt member to said drive mechanism, each of said plurality of floating members being transverse to said belt member and having an inner surface and an outer surface, the latter forming an external corrugation of said belt member for traction on said traveling surface, said belt member being adapted to weight support said powered vehicle on said traveling surface.
 2. A track device as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said floating member includes a housing formed from said inner and outer surfaces for releasably receiving a low-density material body member.
 3. A track device as defined in claim 2, wherein said housing is closed and inflatable.
 4. A track device as defined in claim 2, wherein each of said inner and outer surfaces being respectively integral for all of said plurality of floating members to form a respective inner and outer layers secured to each other by a holding means inbetween adjacent of said housings.
 5. A track device as defined in claim 4, wherein said housing is opened and said low-density material body member is a floatable body releasably secured into said housing.
 6. A track device as defined in claim 5, wherein said floatable body is made out of inflatable material.
 7. A track device as defined in claim 5, wherein said floatable body is made out of foam type material.
 8. A track device as defined in claim 5, wherein said floatable body includes at least one piece of a spherical shape.
 9. A track device as defined in claim 5, wherein said floatable body is of a generally circular cross-section shape.
 10. A track device as defined in claim 1, wherein said floatable body is of a generally polygonal cross-section shape.
 11. A track device as defined in claim 4, wherein said outer surface of each of said plurality of floating members includes a textured cleat pattern for improved traction of said track device on said traveling surface.
 12. A track device as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of floating members has a broken elongated shape for controlled flow of material from said traveling surface along said track device and traction of the same on said traveling surface.
 13. A track device as defined in claim 1, further comprising a link system for releasably connecting said belt member to said drive mechanism.
 14. A track device as defined in claim 13, wherein said link system including an adapter hardware for being mounted on said vehicle to modify said drive mechanism and a steering mechanism of the same to properly drive and steer said vehicle with said floating track device attached thereto.
 15. A track device as defined in claim 13, wherein said link system includes a plurality of rolling members engaging said belt member for guiding and driving the same, at least two of said plurality of rolling members being releasably secured to said drive mechanism of said vehicle.
 16. A track device as defined in claim 13, wherein said inner surface of each of said plurality of floating members forming an internal corrugation of said belt member and being part of said retaining member.
 17. A track device as defined in claim 16, wherein said internal corrugation of said belt member is a mirror of said external corrugation of said outer surface.
 18. A track device as defined in claim 15, wherein said retaining member includes a tongue pattern on said inner surface of said plurality of floating members adapted to releasably engage a corresponding groove pattern of said link system.
 19. A track device as defined in claim 15, wherein said link system further includes a tensioning member for tensioning said belt member onto said rolling members.
 20. A floating track kit for releasably attaching to a drive mechanism of a vehicle for supporting, floating, moving and steering the same on a traveling surface, said vehicle having two lateral sides, said kit including at least one floating track device as defined in claim 1 on each said two lateral sides of said vehicle.
 21. A kit as defined in claim 20, wherein said vehicle being a track vehicle having a track on each of said sides and a respective of said at least one floating track device being adapted to be releasably attached to a corresponding of said tracks.
 22. A floating track kit for releasably attaching to a drive mechanism of a vehicle for supporting, floating, moving and steering the same on a traveling surface, said vehicle having two lateral sides, said kit including at least one floating track device as defined in claim 14 on each said two lateral sides of said vehicle.
 23. A kit as defined in claim 22, further including an adapter hardware for being mounted on said vehicle to modify said drive mechanism and a steering mechanism of the same to properly drive and steer said vehicle when using said floating track devices.
 24. A kit as defined in claim 23, further including an additional hardware to be mounted on said vehicle to allow for attachment of elongated versions of said floating track devices to the same.
 25. A kit as defined in claim 24, wherein said additional hardware being part of said link system. 